"Uniforms Don't Have to Be 'All the Same'" – The Spread of "100 Types of Uniforms" and Acceptance of Uniqlo Ready-Made Products in Middle and High Schools. Changes in Money, Gender, and School Power Dynamics in the Background

1. What is "100 Ways Uniform"?

In recent schools, it's not just "this blazer and this tie." Officially, multiple tops, bottoms, and accessories are allowed. Therefore, each student looks different, yet all are considered "correct uniforms." Reports describe it as "over 100 combinations."
The aim is not fashion but comfort and safety. On hot days, shorts; on cold days, pants plus a cardigan; for those who want to avoid skirts for security reasons, slacks. It's a form where schools approve of clothes that are easy to use in daily life.

2. High schools allowing UNIQLO ready-made products are symbolic

In a public high school in Saitama Prefecture, there are reports of introducing UNIQLO's ready-made items as uniform options.
The key points are "no gender separation" and "lower prices." Jackets, pants, skirts, etc., can be chosen regardless of gender. Additionally, being mass-produced ready-made products, they are cheap, come in a variety of sizes, and are easy to replenish. There are also introductions of basic sets being assembled at low cost.

3. Why has it come to this now? Three backgrounds

① The limits of heat and lack of mobility.
Old uniforms were thick and tight. They were tough on scorching days and for commuting by bicycle. Hence, voices rose saying, "Let us go to school in more mobile clothing."

② Rejection of gender-fixed rules.
School rules like "girls can only wear skirts" are now hard to accept. Schools where girls can choose pants have rapidly increased, and there are even examples where boys can choose skirts.
Uniforms are moving from being "gender labels" to "clothes for commuting."

③ Pressure on household finances.
Designated uniforms can cost tens of thousands to over 100,000 yen per set. Replacements during growth periods are also expensive.
The sentiment of "if you can buy similar-looking items from mass brands cheaply, why not go for that?" is urgent for parents.

4. This is not a "loosening of school rules"

It's not about "allowing any casual clothes." Each school has guidelines for colors, shapes, logos, etc.
The difference is that it has shifted from "schools unilaterally imposing" to "students and schools deciding together." Student councils propose, consult with teachers, and make it an official rule, as reported.
Through uniforms, the power relationship between schools and students is becoming more balanced.

5. There are challenges too

There are concerns that increased freedom might make differences in fashion and brand more noticeable.
Also, while designated uniforms make it easy to pass down clothes, ready-made products might change models yearly. "The clothes from upper grades can be used as is" is not always the case.
And who decides what is acceptable for the final line (length, color, exposure, etc.) remains a contentious area.

6. Reasons why it is still expected to spread

The biggest reasons are cost and peace of mind. Many parents are convinced if it reduces household burdens, allows for easy movement, and provides warmth and security.
Moreover, schools properly institutionalize individual voices like "I don't want to wear a skirt" or "I want to commute in shorts." Such schools are evaluated as "breathable schools," enhancing the school's image.
Uniforms have now become a "tool for visualizing school values."

7. The future of uniforms

Schools that switch entirely to casual clothes are still few. Reasons include the hassle of choosing outfits every morning, economic disparities becoming visible, and difficulty identifying students' schools for safety reasons.
Therefore, the mainstream trend is the compromise of "standard clothing plus options." Maintaining a somewhat uniform appearance while allowing choices of shapes and materials that suit individuals.
The "100 Ways Uniform" has become a clear name for this next-generation uniform.

8. Message to the parent and teacher generations

In the past, "uniform = discipline." But now, the meaning has shifted to "uniform = support."
・Practical responses to heat and security
・Reassurance without gender imposition
・Rationality in reducing household burdens
・A small "social experience" of choosing and taking responsibility
These directly relate to how stress-free the next three years can be.
Uniforms are no longer "tools to make everyone dress the same." They are closer to "living infrastructure" created by schools and students together.